Fortune and Faith

Though now celebrated for their genre-defying blend of classical, pop, and rock music, Jon Schmidt's path to the piano was far from certain as the pianist of the world renowned group - The Piano Guys.

As the youngest of five children in a family of German immigrants who fled WWII, Jon’s early piano lessons came from his older sister. Despite his natural gift, it wasn’t until a profound loss and a powerful admonition from his mission...

In this episode of Fortune and Faith, we sit down with Edmonton Oilers Center Derek Ryan—the NHL’s only member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—as he opens up about his remarkable journey of faith, perseverance, and purpose.

From humble beginnings in Spokane, Washington, where he grows up in the Catholic Church and is coached by his father on local hockey teams, Derek never imagines his path would lead to the NHL. ...

Mike Hood—a man whose first 20 years of life are filled with uncertainty and upheaval, but whose last 40 years are marked by consistency, purpose, and a deep-rooted faith.

Mike is the owner of Hood Financial, a retirement planning, investment management and financial planning firm. Growing up, he’s the oldest of three children in a Navy family, meaning Mike is familiar with change. With frequent moves, and a lack of spiritual struc...

Travis Salisbury grows up knowing the value of hard work as the third of 12 children on his family’s 600-acre farm. With farming as his foundation, he naturally envisions it as his future. Opportunities align to make that dream a reality—until a profound spiritual experience at Brigham Young University sets him on an unexpected path. This pivotal moment causes him to change his major and alters what his professional future will be....

At 86 years old, Rich Johnston is happily retired after a life of adventure and fulfillment. Taking the time to reflect on his journey, from his business ventures, to his family, his wife, and even his membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Rich can trace many of his blessings back to a signature dish he's become locally famous for - Rich's Ribs.

As Rich describes it, if it wasn't for learning this recip...

Lindsey Hawes, the oldest daughter of a “girl dad” entrepreneur, grows up in Utah surrounded by her dad’s various business ventures. From piano stores to gas stations and everything in between, Lindsey doesn’t always know the ins and outs of what her dad does, but she knows she lives a good life with all her needs being met. Fast forward over 20 years, and now Lindsey is stepping into the entrepreneurial world herself with Sunlit S...

Ask any child of a military service member, and most likely they’ll tell you stories of moving around a lot, and never making close friends because of it.  But more often than not, they will also tell you in adulthood how these experiences helped shape their lives and gave them different skills for their future endeavors.  And it’s no different for Chris Bird, co founder of Chimeris. His dad is in the NAVY, and the family lives all...

Hello friends, if you’re a consistent listener of this show, THANK YOU!  And if you listen to each show no doubt you’ve heard my little tagline at the end, you know, the one that goes, new episodes come out every 2nd and 4th Monday of the month?  Well, that’s all going to change starting right now.  I really do love talking to my guests and hearing about their stories and being able to relay them back to you the listener. It’s been...

Ritch Winter, a small-town dreamer from Drumheller, Alberta, transforms his passion for sports into a successful career as a sports agent. From an early age, Ritch envisions himself navigating the world of professional athletics, but his journey takes a profound turn when he finds faith.

In his story, one of perseverance and divine intervention, Ritch is a student at the University of Calgary, where he secures the last spot on the m...

Striving to turn passion into career, Forrest Sim, a Colorado Springs native grows up with a love of the outdoors. From camping to backpacking and rock climbing, Forrest's connection to nature runs deep, influenced by his geologist mother and military father. His adventurous spirit even caught the eye of his wife while they were both at Brigham Young University Idaho. While at school, Forrest dreams of following in his mother&#...

Before launching Deeleeo in 2020, Jackson Payne spends over 15 years as a member of the Canadian National Gymnastics team, where he dazzles as a four-time all-around Canadian National Champion, competes on seven world championship teams, snags a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games, and is named the first alternate for the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Jackson’s experience in gymnastics—marked by its own share of triumphs and challenges—has...

Before launching her own Certified Public Accounting firm, Penny Lundgren is a professional athlete, competing both nationally and internationally in downhill mountain bike racing. Yet, like her races, life doesn't always follow a predictable path. As a student at Brigham Young University, Penny works for then BYU President Jeffrey R. Holland, meets a single father, marries him in the temple, and begins building her life, only ...

As a young man growing up, Kyle Christensen lives with his mother and step father, both of whom do not go to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In somewhat of a surprise to even himself, Kyle and his brother still attend church by themselves despite an easy way out. Now as the owner of Unique Advantage, a financial planning firm, Kyle continues to follow true principles in life and also in his work life teaching other...

Known for its quality workmanship and superior customer service, South Coast Incorporated is a leader in Design/Build projects in Southern California, offering a seamless transition from project inception to completion. However, Ray Miller, owner and founder, is faced with an unfixable situation—a brain bleed affecting his wife—and there's nothing he can do to help.

But before the brain bleed, Ray’s journey begins in the small ...

Always one to march to the beat of his own drum, Clay Johnsen, owner of Pacific Coast Podiatry, embodies fearlessness and ambition. With unwavering determination, he sets lofty goals for his career and strives to achieve them. Yet, fate often intervenes, leading him down unexpected paths.

As Clay meticulously arranges the pieces of his professional puzzle, the Lord often seems to have a different blueprint in mind. And though Clay ...